Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease in which blood vessels develop abnormally in a premature infant’s retina. In most cases, these abnormal blood vessels resolve without treatment. However, in severe cases, they can cause retinal damage and even vision loss. It is more common in infants with lower gestational age and birth weight, and oxygen therapy plays a significant role in its development.

Because ROP is usually asymptomatic, regular ophthalmologic examinations are essential for timely detection.

The pathogenesis of ROP is complex and not yet fully understood. Premature infants are born with incompletely developed retinas. When exposed to high oxygen levels after birth, the normal development of retinal blood vessels is interrupted.

In most cases, vascular growth resumes. However, in more severe cases, the retina becomes relatively hypoxic, leading to the formation of abnormal new blood vessels.

Known risk factors for ROP include:

• Low gestational age and birth weight (risk increases the earlier and smaller the baby is)
• Oxygen therapy
• Inadequate nutrition
• Blood transfusions
• Hyperglycemia